Description
Delightful strawberry shortcake pudding cups blend classic dessert flavors into a creamy, layered treat. Layers of buttery cake, sweet strawberries, and silky pudding create a perfect summer indulgence for friends and family.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups (300 grams) strawberries, fresh and diced
- 1 ½ cups (150 grams) shortcake or pound cake, crumbled
- 1 package (5 oz/140 grams) vanilla pudding mix, instant
- 2 cups (480 ml) milk, cold
- 1 cup (240 ml) heavy whipping cream
- 2 tbsps melted butter
- 2 tbsps granulated sugar
- 2 tbsps powdered sugar
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- Whipped cream (for garnish)
- Strawberry slices, fresh (for garnish)
- Shortcake or graham crackers, crumbled (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare Pudding Base: Whisk instant vanilla pudding mix with cold milk until smooth, then refrigerate to set and chill thoroughly.
- Create Whipped Cream: Beat heavy cream and powdered sugar with an electric mixer until soft, billowy peaks form, then gently fold into the chilled pudding to maintain a light texture.
- Macerate Strawberries: Dice fresh strawberries and combine with granulated sugar and lemon juice, allowing the fruit to release its natural sweetness and create a vibrant syrup.
- Construct Shortcake Layer: Crumble shortcake and optionally drizzle with melted butter, creating a rich foundation in clear serving vessels.
- Layer Dessert: Carefully spoon vanilla pudding mixture over shortcake crumbs, ensuring even distribution. Top with macerated strawberries, letting their juices mingle with the creamy base.
- Build Complexity: Repeat layering process to create height and depth in each serving cup, alternating between pudding, shortcake, and strawberry components.
- Finish and Garnish: Crown each pudding cup with a generous dollop of whipped cream, then garnish with fresh strawberry slices and a delicate sprinkle of shortcake crumbs for textural contrast and visual appeal.
Notes
- Chill Ingredients Thoroughly: Ensure pudding mix, milk, and cream are cold for optimal texture and smoothness. Refrigeration helps stabilize the dessert’s structure.
- Fold Gently: Use a light, careful folding technique when combining whipped cream with pudding to preserve airiness and prevent deflation of the mixture.
- Macerate Strawberries Wisely: Allow strawberries to sit with sugar and lemon juice for 15-20 minutes to intensify flavor and create a natural syrup without making them too mushy.
- Texture Balance is Key: Layer crumbled shortcake at the bottom for a crisp base that prevents sogginess and adds delightful crunch to the creamy dessert.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 24 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg